Antioch Alexander

Love is a misunderstood term. When the world says love it means a feeling most commonly, though not exclusively, romantically. In these terms, love is the feeling I get when I'm with someone I care for, if I don't get that feeling then I don't love. For Christians, and in particular for Orthodox, love is not a feeling it is a commandment. Imagine how ridiculous it would be if when the Lord commands us to love one another (see John 13:34) he means we should have feelings for one another: were those feelings to disappear then we would no longer be his disciples. It is preposterous, it is unthinkable. We can think of many examples of what we do to love another – feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, take in the stranger, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned (see Matt. 25:31-46) – but love has shown himself perfectly through suffering with all humanity on the Cross. To love is to suffer for, or rather co-suffer with, the other: to see the image of Go

Brethren, grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore, it is said, “When He ascended on high He led a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men.” (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that He had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is He who also ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) And His gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:7-13 At that time, when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulon and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by

We are converting [to the Orthodox Church]  from Protestantism. Our extended family and friends are showing us resistance and want to argue doctrinal issues. ... I would like to have healthy dialogue with others. How should I handle this? pray for them . They love you and want the best for you, they are worried that you might be leaving Christianity. don't argue . Few people are convinced because they lose a debate. listen carefully to their concerns . Give a defence of Orthodoxy if necessary but don't make an attack. let your life be a witness to them . A tree is known by its fruits. Are you more prayerful, more loving, more humble, more peaceful because of Orthodoxy? Let your actions be your primary witness of your journey. pray for them . Pray as you love them. Don't pray that you will convert them – only God can convert a heart – but pray for their needs.